Skip to main content

Sulphur 418 May-Jun 2025

IPCO buys New Era Converting Machinery


IPCO buys New Era Converting Machinery

IPCO AB has acquired web converting equipment manufacturer New Era Converting Machinery Inc. New Era is a web converting equipment design and manufacturing business, with two facilities in New Jersey, USA, and around 100 employees. Its technology platform of web handling, coating, laminating, and embossing equipment expands IPCO’s presence in key industries, especially in sustainability-driven segments. It also complements IPCO’s double-belt press and film casting solutions.

Robert Hermans, IPCO CEO said, “The acquisition of New Era is a perfect strategic fit with IPCO’s business ambitions. It enhances our core offerings and introduces new dimensions to our double belt press and film casting capabilities, giving us the ability to offer turnkey solutions to our customers. This synergy will allow us to provide comprehensive and efficient web handling solutions on a global scale.”

Paul Lembo, New Era EVP said: “Joining IPCO is the natural next step in New Era’s evolution as we secure the long-term future of our solutions, team and customers, and accelerate the growth of our business.”

Latest in Industrial

Manyar smelter faces supply issues

Freeport Indonesia may be forced to suspend operations at its Manyar smelter at the end of October due to a lack of copper concentrate, according to local press reports. The news follows the mudslide at the Grasberg mine in September, which killed seven workers. Grasberg, which represents almost 3% of global copper mine production, has halted production and Freeport says that it may not return to pre-accident operating rates until 2027. Stocks of copper concentrate at Grasberg were estimated to be only sufficient to operate the Manyar smelter until the end of October. The $3.7 billion Manyar smelter only resumed operations in May after a fire broke out in October last year, damaging the plant.

Government to limit new nickel projects

The Indonesian government has moved to limit new licenses for nickel projects in an attempt to correct overdevelopment of the industry and the subsequent crash in global nickel prices. The permit restriction applies to new nickel processing companies that produce intermediate products, both with pyrometallurgical (RKEF) and hydrometallurgical (HPAL) technologies. Currently, Indonesia already has 54 nickel processing plants operating, 38 in the construction stage, and 45 are still under planning.